You Think You Know Me

Product Information

I loved the sibling relationships between Hanan and her twin brother and younger siblings. And I really loved how we see her friendships too and that it isn’t perfect but they are able to apologise and reconcile. The Primary School Library Alliance is calling on the government to match-fund the private investment it has brought into helping primary schools c... Released by award-winning, independent publisher, Choc Lit, it’s set in London and the Lake District and was shortlisted in Novelicious’ Undiscovered Competition. You Think You Know Me is a chilling account of Herb Baumeister and one of the most mysterious true crime stories in American history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller. Abooto and Hooyo (Hanan’s grandmother and mother) also stand out as especially brilliant characters. They have suffered horrendous trauma (as have Hanan and her siblings) but they still find good in the world and pass on positivity to their family. Abooto had some very funny moments too, and I was thrilled to see elements of my own Nan in her. I learnt a lot about both Islam and Somali culture from the Ali family - and this novel in general - and I hope that recommending this book to others will help them do the same.

Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12...The winners of the Diverse Book Awards 2023 have been announced, with one winner from each of the four categories announced: Picture book, Children... You Think You Know Me would appeal to fans of The Hate You Give and This Book Kills. A large-scale marketing campaign is being planned and the book is part of the 2023 World Book Night collection.

You Think You Know Me is a powerful and thought-provoking debut that highlights the double standards when it comes to the reporting and perception of crimes. If the perpetrator is of a certain race or religion, it is that aspect of his identity that the spotlight is shone on and demonised, and everyone else who falls into the same category is automatically to blame. The same crime committed by a person of a different skin colour suddenly becomes the result of a "mental breakdown". These different reactions and the unfair consequences to blameless people are adeptly highlighted through the events that take place. You Think You Know Me by Ayaan Mohamud. This was such a profound read. Thank you to the publisher and @zekrazaina for the ARC :) release date: 2nd Feb. You Think You Know me is targeted at the YA market, it’s been a long, long time since I fitted into this category!!! But don’t let that put you off it’s a powerful, heartbreaking and beautiful written piece of fiction. The book looks at what it’s like to be a young British muslim experiencing and dealing with islamaphobia. As a character Hanan was determined and strong but she could be bruised, battered and crushed by events and people. The events in this book felt authentic, relatable to things I've read in the media but haven't experienced myself. That said, I feel like I lived and learnt through this book, carried away by the characters and stories.

About Ayaan Mohamud

Over the course of eighteen-months, Julie became increasingly concerned and frightened by her husband's mood swings and erratic behaviour. In June 1996, whilst Herb was on vacation, she granted police full access to her family’s eighteen-acre home. Within ten days of the search, investigators uncovered the remains of eleven bodies. Once news of the findings at Fox Hollow Farm was broadcast, Herb disappeared. But isn’t that a disservice to our diversity? If we try to make everyone the same, are we saying there’s no room for any difference in the world? And if we continue to fear the things we don’t understand, can there ever be space for growth and humanity?” You Think You Know Me is Ayaan’s debut novel. The purpose of this book was to shine a light on the truth of Islam beyond the mainstream media headlines. She wants to empower the voices who feel repressed by society and help young children realize that their differences should be celebrated, rather than a reason to hate. Ayaan approaches this feat by painting a lovely picture of Hanan and her friends in the schoolyard. The novel continues to follow Hanan Ali and her journey combating Islamophobia whilst fleeing Somalia’s civil war. It is truly riveting.